In a state of uncertainty, with income less than outlay? (2,1,4)
I believe the answer is:
at a loss
'with income less than outlay?' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for at a loss that I've seen before include "Uncertain, puzzled" , "Completely puzzled, with no idea at all" , "Not knowing what to say or do - profitless" , "Totally bewildered" , "makes one puzzled" .)